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July 2026 Edition
Economic Development Department Updates

> Celebrating business investment, growth and success in South Glengarry

2026 Business & Community Awards – Nominations Now Open!


Do you know a business, organization, or individual making a positive impact in South Glengarry? Now is your opportunity to recognize their contributions.


The Business & Community Awards celebrate the people whose leadership, innovation, service, and community spirit help make South Glengarry a great place to live and do business.


Submit your nomination today!
Nomination Form
 

Last Call for Awards Gala Sponsors


Help celebrate the outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals that make South Glengarry thrive.


Sponsors receive recognition before, during, and after the event through local media, social media, the event website, and the Business Newsletter.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Jennifer today!
Email Jennifer

Photo credit: The SDG&A Cornwall Seeker

Exploring Connections with Akwesasne Entrepreneurs


South Glengarry recently joined a small group of media, tourism, and economic development staff invited to experience a 2-hour “living history” tour of Akwesasne from the water. The tour highlighted historic landmarks along the riverways and shared perspectives on Mohawk culture, spirituality, and connection with nature, with stories passed down through generations.


The tour highlighted opportunities for collaboration with owners Chessie and Brendan White to develop new visitor experiences and support tourism growth in the region.


Thank you for hosting us, Chessie and Josh (boat operator)


Website | Email


Read Sylvia O'Rourke's post with the SDG&A Cornwall Seeker for details.
Read Post
 

Summer Company Cohort Includes Young Entrepreneur from South Glengarry!

 

The Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre recently announced nine young entrepreneurs enrolled in the Summer Company program, designed to help turn their business ideas into reality over the summer.


Congratulations, Caedmon Van Putten of Vadropho Photography & Videography, based near Martintown! Caedmon offers photography, drone photography and videography packages.
Read the Release
 

Lancaster Long-Term Care Home Taking Shape


Construction continues to make excellent progress on Lancaster's new long-term care home.


These recent drone photos show the building beginning to take shape—an exciting milestone for a project that will expand long-term care capacity while creating jobs and investment in South Glengarry.
 
Small Business Spotlight

Meet Secrecy Vaults


Based in Green Valley, Secrecy Vaults is a new local business specializing in custom aluminum tack lockers for equestrians.


Owner Julie Bellavance-Caron, a competitive equine athlete, designed these powder-coated aluminum lockers to be durable, weather-resistant, and easy to maneuver—ideal for transporting tack and equipment to competitions and events.


With customizable options for riders of all levels, Secrecy Vaults combines practical design with quality craftsmanship to meet the needs of today's equestrian community.

 

Learn more: Website | Email | Instagram

 
Grants and Funding

 > Financial support to help businesses adapt, grow, and thrive
 

2026 Funders Forum Presentation Now Available


Why it matters: Discover key loans, grants and support resources available for local businesses.


In case you missed the recent Funders Forum held in Cornwall, the co-hosts are sharing the presentation deck for download.
Download Funders Presentation
 

Ontario Trillium Foundation Seed Grants


Why it matters: Community organizations can access funding to strengthen their capacity, improve programs, and plan for future services.


Seed Grants support projects focused on:

  • Organizational planning
  • Piloting new programs
  • Building organizational capacity
    

Application Period: July 22 – August 19, 2026


Need help preparing an application? The Ontario Trillium Foundation is offering webinars and one-on-one coaching sessions with Program Managers.
Seed Grant Details

Futurpreneur Canada Supports Young Entrepreneurs


Why it matters: Young entrepreneurs can access financing, mentorship, and business resources to help launch or grow their business.


The Ontario government has announced a $6 million investment in Futurpreneur Canada's Core Startup Program, offering:

  • Collateral-free loans up to $75,000
  • Two years of mentorship
  • Business planning resources and support
    

Eligibility: Entrepreneurs aged 18–39.
Core Startup Program Details
 

Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program – Intake 3 Opens Soon


Why it matters: Rural businesses planning strategic improvements may be eligible for cost-share funding to strengthen operations and support future growth.


The Business Development stream provides up to 35% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $10,000, for brick-and-mortar businesses with 1 to 20 employees.


Eligible projects include:

  • Market development
  • Cybersecurity improvements
  • Succession planning
  • Accessibility improvements
    

Application Period: August 17 – October 1, 2026
ROD Business Development Steam Details

Foodpreneur Advantage Scale-Up Program


Why it matters: Food and beverage businesses ready to grow can gain expert guidance to help scale their operations.


This four-month hybrid program combines customized workshops, one-on-one expert support, and practical tools designed for businesses with strong growth potential.


Who should apply?

Businesses with:

  • At least one year of revenue ($50,000 minimum)
  • Consumer packaged products
  • Active wholesale accounts
    

Program Fee: $1,500 (financial assistance may be available through Starter Company Plus participants).


Applications Open: August 11, 2026
Scale-Up Program Details
 

Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream


Why it matters: Municipalities, Indigenous organizations, and not-for-profits may be eligible for significant funding to improve community infrastructure.


FedDev Ontario is accepting applications for projects that strengthen community spaces and improve the quality of life across southern Ontario.


Funding Available: $125,000–$1 million


Application Deadlines:

July 9, 2026 (projects beginning before March 31, 2027)

August 6, 2026 (projects beginning after April 1, 2027)
Strong Fund Details
 
Networking and Events

 > Build relationships, share ideas, and grow

Business Sisters 5 à 7 in South Glengarry


Why attend: Connect with fellow women entrepreneurs, exchange ideas and enjoy fresh local products and meaningful conversation at Ferme Butte et Bine Farm.


Date: July 22, 2026

Time: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Location: 5875 Glen Brook Road, Williamstown, ON

Cost: $45 - includes light refreshments
Register Today
 

Ready to Join a Local Business Community?


Why join: Expand your network, increase your business visibility, and connect with opportunities that support your success.


The Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce offers members valuable networking opportunities, business advocacy, professional development, promotional opportunities, and access to exclusive member benefits, including group health insurance.


Visit their membership page for details.
CACC Membership Page
 
 
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Doors Open Ontario Returns This August


Why attend: Discover the people, places, and stories that make this area unique—free of charge.


As part of Doors Open Ontario, visitors can enjoy free access to more than 30 historic and cultural sites across Cornwall and SDG Counties, including several South Glengarry landmarks:


  • The Bishop's House of Glengarry
  • The Glengarry Celtic Music Hall of Fame
  • Glengarry Nor'Westers and Loyalist Museum
  • Martintown Grist Mill
  • Sir John Johnson Manor House
  • St. Raphael's Ruins
    

Dates: August 15-16, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Plan Your Doors Open Tour
 
Learning Opportunities

> Practical ways to make informed business decisions

Interested in Starting a Food or Beverage Business?


What you'll learn: Gain practical knowledge to help launch or grow a successful food or beverage business.


Foodpreneur Advantage, in partnership with the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre, is offering a free six-part webinar series covering the essentials of starting and growing a food business. Each session begins at 10:00 a.m.


Upcoming Webinars

  • August 20: Starting a Food Business & Regulatory Compliance
  • August 27: How to Sell Your Food Product
  • September 3: Costing and Pricing to Make a Profit
  • September 10: Marketing and Branding Your Food Product
  • September 17: Food Safety Fundamentals
  • September 24: Packaging and Labelling Your Food Product
Register Today
 
 
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Jennifer Treverton, Economic Development Officer


T: 613-347-1166 ext. 2106 | E: jtreverton@southglengarry.com
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